Two Interior Decorators Suspected To Have Inhaled Toluene In Taipei

Two interior decorators, a 27-year-old male named Lin (林) and a 24-year-old named Chiang (江), tragically perished in an apartment in Taipei’s Neihu District on Tuesday night (Jan. 2), in a suspected case of toluene inhalation while performing their professional duties.

What is Toluene?
Toluene is an organic compound used in many adhesives and glues, such as those utilized in interior design. It can become volatile and vaporize in a confined space, potentially leading to inhalation poisoning.

The Fatal Incident
The two interior decorators seemingly had no contact from their early morning visit to the apartment until their worried significant others placed a call to the police later on Tuesday night. Follow the sound of their ringtones, the two were discovered lifeless underneath an Ottoman bed.

Taipei Veterans General Hospital Department of Occupational Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Director Yang Chen-chang (楊振昌) shared that they treat an average of 10 toluene cases per year, revealing the dangerousness of the organic compound. Yang explains that toluene first causes the brain to become excitable, and then, later, inhibits brain function. This inhibitory reaction from inhaling the compound can lead to coma or unconsciousness.

Safety Tips on Toluene Use
When utilizing toluene for interior decoration, workers need to be mindful of the risk and take precautions. If any dizziness is felt while in a closed off area, the most effective measure is to immediately evacuate and receive medical attention if necessary.